The opal is a perfect October birthstone with a fiery kaleidoscope of colors that mirror the changing autumn leaves. According to the GIA, the opal has always been seen as magical. Arabic legends say it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy […]
As the world grows green in the spring, it’s fitting that the emerald is May’s birthstone. It’s been revered for centuries…its name comes from the ancient Greek word for green, ‘smaragdus.’ The first known mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BC. And it’s one of the four “precious” gemstones of the world, […]
If you want to look into the soul of the seas, then March’s birthstone, the aquamarine, is waiting for you. Its name actually comes from the Latin for “sea water” and it was believed to keep people safe during ocean voyages. The aquamarine is a form of the mineral beryl and can be found in […]
Jewelry and love. Nothing says love like a beautiful piece of jewelry. And in this season of love, we’re all about classic, romantic pieces with hearts and flowers. Hearts As the part of us that represents life, giving and wearing a heart necklace represents pure love. It’s timeless and never goes out of style. And […]
The cold winds of winter are warmed up by the deep, rich red of January’s birthstone, the garnet. This stone, which has been used for millennia, was a favorite of the ancient Egyptians, who believed it was a symbol of life. In fact, pharaohs have been found buried with brilliant garnet necklaces. There are over […]
Whatever holiday you celebrate, chances are you—or someone you know—received a special piece of jewelry as a gift. A new engagement ring, or a pearl necklace, or a stunning pair of earrings. Maybe a parent o r grandparent handed down a treasured heirloom. Enjoy! And take a look at these tips on how to keep […]
Holidays are primetime for popping the question with an engagement ring. Buying a diamond can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re shopping together or on your own, here are some guidelines to make the engagement ring process as easy as getting down on one knee. Engagement ring checklist The Gemological Institute of […]
Holiday season can be a crazy time of shopping, crowds, and travel. It’s also prime time for buying jewelry. Here, direct from National Jeweler, are some tips for keeping your jewelry safe (and your sanity intact) when you’re buying and carrying valuables this time of year. Bag it up. When you juggle lots of small […]
As we enter the holiday season, chances are you’ll be getting together with family members. This is also a time when we think about passing down pieces of heirloom jewelry, silver, or other precious items to others. The Wall Street Journal reported that “baby boomers and elder Americans say personal keepsakes, family stories and last […]
As summer turns to fall, we welcome September’s birthstone, the sapphire. This vivid blue gemstone has been prized for centuries. It’s dreamy, yet tough. Mystical, yet grounding. Cool yet filled with passion. Here are 7 surprising facts you didn’t know about sapphires. They’re the same mineral as rubies. Both sapphires and rubies share a common […]
